Drug Addiction

8.1 Concept and Scale

Drug addiction (substance use disorder) is a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterised by compulsive drug-seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in brain chemistry and function. The WHO classifies it as a mental health disorder (ICD-11).

India's drug burden (NDDTC 2019 Survey — National Drug Use Survey):

• Alcohol: 16 crore harmful users; 5.7 crore alcohol dependent
• Cannabis (Ganja, Bhang, Charas): 3.1 crore users (2.8% population above 10 years)
• Opioids (Opium, Heroin, Pharmaceutical Opioids): 2.26 crore users; 77.5 lakh opioid dependent
• Sedatives/Hypnotics: 1.18 crore
• Inhalants: 17.5 lakh (largely children/adolescents)
• Cocaine: 11 lakh

8.2 Regional Pattern in India

• Punjab has the most severe opioid (heroin) problem — estimated 2.32 lakh regular users; "drug capital of India" media narrative
• Rajasthan — significant opium problem (traditional opium cultivation in Chittorgarh, Pratapgarh, Jhalawar under licensed cultivation); illicit diversion is a concern
• Northeast India — proximity to "Golden Triangle" (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) — heroin trafficking route; Manipur, Nagaland with high HIV rates linked to intravenous drug use
• Mumbai, Delhi — cocaine, MDMA/ecstasy growing in affluent youth segments

8.3 Causes of Drug Addiction

Individual factors:

• Genetic predisposition (family history of addiction)
• Mental health comorbidities (depression, anxiety, PTSD)
• Peer pressure, curiosity in adolescence

Social/structural factors:

• Unemployment and lack of purpose — idle youth
• Urbanisation and migration stress
• Easy availability (trafficking routes, lax enforcement)
• Traumatic experiences including violence, abuse
• Normalisation in certain communities (opium in Rajasthan's Bhil/Meena communities, traditionally used in rituals)

8.4 Legal and Policy Framework

Law/Policy	Year	Key Content
NDPS Act	1985	Prohibits manufacture, possession, sale of narcotics; punishment 6 months to 20 years based on quantity
Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act	1988	Preventive detention for drug traffickers
NDDTC Survey	2019	First comprehensive national drug use survey
National Drug Demand Reduction Strategy	2021 (NITI Aayog)	Three pillars: prevention, treatment, and community rehabilitation
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan	2020	272 most drug-affected districts targeted; community mobilisation
PM-DAKSH	2021	Skill training for persons recovered from addiction

International control: India is a signatory to the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971), and UN Convention against Illicit Traffic (1988) — forming the global drug control framework.

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